Story perspectives

Record-Low Danube Reveals WWII Wrecks, €16 M Cleanup Fund

8/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Record-low Danube levels have revealed about 200 wrecks, including dozens of World War II German warships, in a five-kilometre stretch near Prahovo.
Serbia estimates the wrecks cause roughly €5 million each year in commercial-shipping delays.
The European Investment Bank pledged €16 million to clear the most hazardous wrecks.
By April 2026, crews had salvaged seven of the 21 selected ships.
Recovery crews must inspect each wreck for possible World War II explosives before lifting it.

History

Historical Context

During WWII the Kriegsmarine routinely scuttled ships to block enemy use—e.g., in April 1941 Italian commander Mario Bonetti sank 18 commercial vessels in Massawa, and in November 1942 the French fleet was deliberately sunk at Toulon. Those wartime blockades left many Danube vessels abandoned, and today Serbia and the European Investment Bank are financing a €16 million cleanup to restore navigation.

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Story summary

Record-low Danube levels have revealed about 200 wrecks, including dozens of World War II German warships, in a five-kilometre stretch near Prahovo.
Serbia estimates the wrecks cause roughly €5 million each year in commercial-shipping delays.
The European Investment Bank pledged €16 million to clear the most hazardous wrecks.
By April 2026, crews had salvaged seven of the 21 selected ships.
Recovery crews must inspect each wreck for possible World War II explosives before lifting it.

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